5 Tips To Planning Your First Trip To Maui!
Growing up I’ve been taught that if you plan something, and then have a backup plan or two, when the event comes by, youʻll just have to follow the plan and only fix what happens the day of the event. I havenʻt used that teaching all the time, but when it comes to traveling, I do.
Going to Japan, Germany, Norway, England, Mexico City, and many more places I had plans upon plans. I had time scheduled to do specific things, and time to do random things. It helped me maximize my time, my relaxation, and my money.
Here are my five tips to planning your vacation here on the beautiful island of Maui:
- Book Things In Advance:
No matter if you’re planning a year ahead or booking a last minute flight, booking things as far in advance as possible is THE BEST/GREATEST/HIGHLY PUSHED tip we can give you. As an activities company, we have our luaus booked months in advance. So to try and get seats for your family of 8 to a luau the next day is almost impossible.
Know who is going with you, and then do research on the activities. Some will allow you to book 6 months in advance. If they are able to do so, you should take advantage of that! Not just luaus, but all the activities you’re wanting to do. The best part, you donʻt need to make sure you have money for these activities when you’re in Maui, because you already paid for it!
- Learn About Maui:
Learning about where you’re going just makes it more real. For some of you, it will calm down some of that anxiety about going to a new place. For others, youʻll go down a rabbit hole of education that is not taught anywhere else but Hawaiʻi. Youʻll appreciate your visit more if you do a little research about Maui. Letʻs help you out with some quick pointers.
- Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands
- The island of Maui is 1.3 million years old.
- The island of Maui has a population of about 144,000 people.
- It is located between Oahu and the Big Island and offers a mix of quiet countryside and high-end resort areas.
- Apart from the natural wonders, you can experience fine dining and lots of shopping here.
- Maui County consists of 4 islands. Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the uninhabitable Kahoʻolawe.
- Driving Time:
The roads in Hawaiʻi in general are misleading. The islands may look small, but it can sometimes take you hours to get to your destination. We suggest you keep an eye on whatever traffic notification app you use and plan accordingly. What looks like only 22 miles is 22 miles on a 1 way in/1 way out road, with everyone other tourists going to the same location you are.
- Plan ahead:
Planning ahead is the main theme of this blog post, and for good reason too. We’ve heard a lot of stories that people got to their luʻau late and didnʻt get to eat, or they totally missed their luau because they were still coming back from Hana. PLEASE plan ahead so that you donʻt miss out on any of the activities youʻve planned. Just to throw in a big hint here about planning, the Road To Hana is most likely an all day event. So, plan to have a relaxing dinner, but donʻt plan anything expensive.
- Go with the flow:
Things happen and we can’t change it. It does rain in Hawaiʻi, heck we even have storms and hurricanes. Once, I was in the middle of a hail storm and almost tornado! Our suggestion is to just go with the flow. If your luau rains out, you’re still in Hawaiʻi… Go play in the rain on the beach! No one knows who you are, but they will see that youʻre having the time of your life, because you are! You on Maui!! Most people donʻt leave their hometown yet cross half of the Pacific Ocean to play at the beach in the rain!
Maui No Ka Oi - Hana, Maui Pt. 2
So now, part 2… the fun part!!
This part is for those that are doing the Road to Hana on their own. If you got a tour planned, then they’ve got it covered. If you’re wondering what their plans are, just visit our page at www.mauiactivities.com. There’s a few companies, and so take a look and see what fits you, your party, and all that good stuff.
The first stop for those riding out on your own —— Ku’au Store!
Ku’au store is your last stop for things. They have groceries, coffee, poke bowls, coffee, sandwiches, coffee… Did I mention coffee? Snacks and drinks are important to pack up as it’ll take a while till either the next store, or the next place to get food.
Our first stop is the world famous Twins Falls.
The hike to see Twin Falls is unique and beautiful. These waterfalls offer a large area to swim at. Consider sticking to the closest falls along the path (lower falls) in order to save time on your trip and be really careful of flash floods! The falls is owned by a private farm, as such they have rules and regulations for parking, COVID restrictions, and a smoothie bar. For more information check out their website www.twinfallsmaui.net
Next Stop, Haipua’ena Falls .
Most tours would say this isn’t a “breath taking” stop, and skippable. You’re not on a tour though, so you can stop here. It’s a great and refreshing place to take a dip. If you need a place to stretch your legs, you certainly won’t be disappointed doing it here. The pool is deep enough to jump from the top of the falls, or off the ropes. Word of caution: Follow all state/city and county signs about parking.
Our next stop is Kaumahina State Wayside Park
At mile marker #12, there’s the Kaumahina State Wayside Park. It has a look out point with a beautiful view of part of Maui’s north coast. You’d also be able to stretch out your legs and explore the grounds with dozens of native Hawaiian plants and birds. It may be too early to bring out your lunch, but there is a restroom available before you head back out onto the road.
Ready for a snack? Ke’anae is your next stop!
Mile marker #16 has the little town of Ke’anae. With a rich history, beautiful views, and a rocky coastline that is very instagram worthy. You’ll be able to see native Hawaiian crops like Kalo (Taro), Mai’a (Banana), ʻūhā (Yams).
You’ll also be able to get some freshly baked banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s, or back on the main road from Halfway To Hana. The area has a lot of banana trees, and some of the locals have used generations-old recipes to share with the Road to Hana travelers.
While you’re eating your banana bread, the next stop will be Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park
At this point, personally, this is a great stop because of the restroom that is available. After you’re done with your business, you can cross the street and go on a little adventure to a waterfall/swimming hole. It’s a great place to stretch your legs again, and jump in another pool.
If you need a meal, stop by Nahiku Marketplace!
There’s some great gift shops, and great food! It’s a great place to have some of the best Kalua Pork Tacos in the state! Lots of low-key outside dining options. Sorbet, Tacos, Thai food, and coffee! There are restrooms available as well, so why not get some food while waiting for your party to do their thing?! Just remember that most of these vendors are on “Island Time”, where business hours will vary depending on their independent reasons.
Ever been to a black sand beach? Wai’anapanapa is your next stop!
Just to let y’all know… You need to reserve time to go into the park. Go to www.gowaianapanapa.com to get that done! Once that is done, save the receipt on your phone. There is a small cove next to the black sand beach. You’re also able to take a little hike along the hua grove. There are other places to discover, but there are many warning signs, and so we will advise you to abide by them for your safety. There is also a 2 hour hike (Kihaapi’ilani Trail) and you’d be able to see Hawaiian Petroglyphs. The hike leads towards Hana Town, which is our last stop!
HANA TOWN!!! WE MADE IT!
Obviously, there’s other things to check out, and we’ll do another blog for those that are staying overnight, but this blog… we’re sticking with a day trip goal, which is… Hana Town! There’s so many things to do here. Swimming at Hana Bay, visiting the Hana Cultural Center & Museum, the Hasegawa General Store, the Hana Ranch Store, and more!
Hana has a deep rich history that actually connects to all of Hawai’i. The birthplace of King Kamehameha’s favorite wife (Ka’ahumanu), the resting place of Charles Lindbergh, Kamehameha’s use of Hana before going to conquer the rest of Hawai’i. Of course there’s more to see past Hana, but the title is called “Road To Hana”, and we’re here!
We will get back to the rest of the trip around Mauna Haleakala.